Russia Finalises Pullout of Batumi Military Base

The last trainload of Russian military equipment left the Batumi military base on November 15, almost a year ahead of schedule.

In accordance with an agreement reached between Georgia and Russia in 2006, the pullout was expected to be finalised in 2008.

“Despite Tbilisi’s systematic anti-Russian policies, we will still pursue a responsible and constructive stance regarding our international commitments,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said on November 16.

The base, known as the 12th Russian military base, was actually officially transferred on November 13. It follows the transfer in June of another Russian base in Akhalkalaki.

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